Deep Breath

Having recovered from a prank from the spirit of chaos, you now sit at the Ponyville train station. Wood posts hold a roof up over a very clean wooden platform and ticket booth. It strikes you that you haven't seen any trash or dingy buildings around. Even in this small town, it would be surprising to see the entirety of Ponyville so on top of repairs. Speaking of, sounds of the denizens of Ponyville returning to their daily lives start to pass you by as they spread out from the town center.

Royal solar and lunar guards block the entrance to the platform, making you infer this will be a private trip. You wonder, for a moment, how many vacation trips or travel plans are being delayed. Princess Cadence and Prince Armor are sitting on a bench at a respectable distance, all things considered. Princess Luna, Discord and the Elements of Harmony are all sitting near you. You acknowledge spike as another being that you can share a respecting handshake with... after being careful to avoid the child size, yet still very sharp dragon claws. Passing the time, Princess Luna and Discord talk at an adjacent bench while you sit and converse with the Elements of Harmony.

"I was a laborer in a factory for three years before getting a promotion and a better paid job in the office next door."

"What did you do in that job?" Twilight asked.

"I answered live long range communications and often got yelled at by customers over non personal matters that are not always legitimate, then I would file reports to make sure the company ran smoothly."

"Is that supposed to sound fake?"

"No, but perhaps it is good that it does."

"So, what was it like to appear in Ponyville?"

"It's hard to describe since I didn't actually notice it happening. I had just started a camping trip. I was chopping a log in half to use in a shelter, and by the time I was done, the terrain around me had changed. Seconds later, I met Miss Pinky Pie"

"Just Pinky is fine, Anon. You can call all of us non-princesses by first names, right, Rarity?" Said Pinky.

"She has a point, darling. You have shown quite clearly that you don't mean any harm, so you don't have to be so formal with us. I dare say you'll be seeing enough of the princesses, should everything go right, that you'll be on a first name basis with most of them, too." Rarity's words surprised you. Until now, the only plans that have been made were promoting vocations and seeing to the restoration of the Hive. There would always be respecting interactions with the princesses, but could you get to know them on more level grounds?"

"That's going to take some getting used to. I'm going to have to get some clothes better than just this one set."

A gasp came from Rarity. You just poked the Bee's nest. You told yourself not to, damnit.

"Darling! Tell me that what you are wearing is not the only clothing to your name."

"Unfortunately, it is so. They're not bad clothes, but they're all I have."

"Well that just won't do. Stand up, Darling. I'll take your measurements right away."

Being a true Seamstress, she levitates measuring tape that she has handy, and takes your measurements. She mumbles something about having similar range of motion to a minotaur, but different proportions. Obeying her commands, you flex in various ways and allow her to measure sections of your body in different positions. All the while, Pinky and Twilight are talking to you about your first moments of arrival.

"Where is the axe you were chopping the log with when you arrived here?" Asked Twilight.

"I imagine it is where I arrived if someone hasn't picked up what's left of it."

"Oh yeah! it caught fire when I looked at the name on it." Pinky added.

"Yeah, that happens when my birth name is visible for some reason. Wait, You saw my name? How much of it?"

"All of it. it said- AHHHHHHHH..." Pinky suddenly fell to the ground, screaming and grasping her head in pain.

"What did you do?!" Prince armor shouted accusingly as he got between you and the pink pony.

"I didn't even touch her, I swear!" Pinky is still screaming. The tension of the situation is threatening to boil over soon. You have to think of a way to help Pinky. She is in pain because she is thinking of your name. A mental image is burning inside her mind, so what the hell can you do? You look at the writhing pained pony on the ground and notice she is scraping a hoof at you. She thinks you can do something about this. All you have is the hat she gave you, but can it really be that easy? Shining Armor will not let you anywhere near Pinky right now. You take off the drink hat and hand it to the mare that has so far been frozen next to you, not knowing what she can do.

"Rarity, Have Pinky drink from the hat!"

"Will that work?"

"I don't know but Pinky thinks so."

Rarity takes the hat in her magic and brings it to her pained friend. Pinky desperately grabs the straw in her hooves as soon as it is within reach and drinks for her life. Everyone attending watched as the pink pony drank for seconds on end. her writhing gradually ceased, and once some amount of calm had returned to her, she tentatively released the straw from her mouth.

"I'm okay... Whatever that was, I don't think I want to think about it again..." Pinky said while breathing heavily from the experience.

"What just happened?" Asked Princess Luna. You take a quick breath to answer readily on the spot.

"Since I arrived here, the name I have been given at birth has been censored in magic that as far as I know is beyond even Discord's understanding. Voices do not vocalize unless I am referred to as Human, Anonymous, or Anon, and my written name bursts into flames. This is something I have no control of, and Pinky somehow was quick enough to see and read my entire name." Princess Luna considered your words.

"Demonstrate thy claim."

You walk to the side and jump off of the platform. Using a finger, you wright your name in the loose dirt, and sure enough, the ground erupts in an angry fire before you get too far. You watch your audience's reaction until they are satisfied, then you stomp the fire out. Returning to the platform, most of the ponies are comforting Pinky as Twilight is casting a spell. Princess Luna approaches you.

"We have not yet completed our investigation within the dreamscape. If Thy actions have intentionally hidden anything at all, We shall see to it personally that justice comes swiftly."

"I have nothing to hide, Princess. You may enter my dreams whenever you like for as many times that suit you." Your response was sincere and immediate. Looking directly into her eyes, you will maintain calm because that is the truth.

"Wowee, that was crazy!" Pinky seems to have recovered. She approaches you with the drink hat on her head. Her smile has returned.

"Are you ok, Pinkie? I'm sorry that happened to you."

"Don't sweat it. It's not like you did anything. I'm just glad you understood me and gave me that brain freeze. Twilight used a memory spell, and now I can't remember your name anymore, so that won't happen again." She takes the hat and puts it back on your head. "There, that's better."

"Thanks, Pinky." You smile.

"Good, your smile is back, and just in time. The train will be here in threee, twooo, one!" Snapping to point a hoof, Pinky signals the moment that the train comes into view from around a hill.

A coal powered steam engine approaches, pulling several wooden cars with shuttered windows and metal roofs. more guards exit the train cars and escort you in. You are led onto the train. The second passenger car from the front housed a large dining table. Princess Celestia was already there.

"Hello once again, Anonymous. I have seen to it myself to prepare this train to take all one hundred and twenty-one changelings back here to Ponyville where they can receive help should negotiations prove successful.

“Hello once again, princess. Now that everyone is assembled, I would like to continue my explanation if that is okay with all of you.”

“My scouts have reported back. Everything you have said so far has proven to be true. Please start with the current status of the Changelings. What condition is Queen Chrysalis and her drones in?"

"I just need to check one thing. Applejack. Do you have family that aint family?"

"Of course I do. All of the Elements of Harmony are honorary Apples. We've done for each other as family with zero hesitation, and we'd do it always." Applejack beamed.

"Always trust country folk to know how to do it right." You smile.

"Anyways, my changelings have so far rationed their reserves of love for an extremely long period of time. Besides the Canterlot Wedding, and some unexplained aurora a year ago, my Queen has only risked small groups spearheaded by herself to retrieve love for the hive, but there is no natural way for changelings to survive without total integration. I have done what I can remotely by filling love crystals while I studied within the hive, but the contribution of a single being can only do so much."

"Tell us about these love crystals." Twilight jumped in.

"For that, allow me to describe the hive structure as an entire unit. There are two ways that Changelings physically interact with their home. The first is with Crystals that they can store and drain love magic, and the second is with the hive structure they have been calling their home for generations. They can use their magic to manipulate it's shape, which includes detaching carriable amounts for transport and re-convergence in another location. Currently, the majority of the hive is encased in basalt. Somewhere during their hibernation, a magma flow encroached on the hive, and the vast majority of the crystals, including a crystal artifact called the Heart of the Changelings was lost."

This earned you an even worse look from Shining Armor.

"Are you trying to lay Claim on the Crystal Heart?" You have never heard of that name, then again, the changelings had no knowledge to offer on the Crystal Empire.

"I'm not sure you're talking about the same artifact that I am. Is the Crystal heart in the shape of a swaddled changeling foal?"

Twilight lets out a breath. "Don't worry, Shining, he's not after the Crystal Heart. Tell us about the Heart of the Changelings, Anonymous."

"The Heart of the Changelings, unlike regular love crystals which have a limited capacity, has gathered love from countless changelings across the generations. It was said to be created by the first changeling Queen, and every changeling thereafter has made a contribution without taking at least once in their life. If that single artifact had been the one that survived, then none of you would even be aware of the name, Chrysalis."
This earned you confused looks.

"The first breaths of Equestrian air that Queen Chrysalis and her hive ever inhaled was shortly before the Canterlot wedding. They had awoken to a decimated hive and a far too destroyed magical love reserve to integrate without causing alarm, fear, and hatred. However, a portion of their library survived that contained an emergency plan passed down from Changeling Queen to Changeling Queen. They would amass love by infiltrating and launching a faux takeover on a wedding."

"Exactly which part of the attempted takeover was faux?" Shining Armor interrupted once more.

"After taking over and safely imprisoning enough powerful ponies in hibernation cocoons, the magic reserves would be replenished, then phase two would have launched, knowledge of making lantern runes that can detect changelings would have been given to a free standing resistance group so that they can 'take back' the captured land and ponies. The changelings would have then retreated and safely snuck back into society where they would not have done much else of consequence other than living a normal pony's life."

"If that is so, then explain my imprisonment in the gem mines beneath Canterlot." Cadence added.

"As I understand it, Chrysalis was alone until the shield around Canterlot fell. she did not have the proper amounts of magic until later to start imprisoning ponies safely in cocoons."

"You have been on Equus a mere week, and the only knowledge you have of this world is from the changelings, correct? How sure can you be that every detail is not a lie orchestrated by them?" Princess Celestia asked.

"You do have a point, Princess. If they have, in fact, done so, and they truly are up to nefarious plans, then all four princesses and the Elements of Harmony have already been assembled where only one prince and princess was needed prior. Subsequently, you would be freeing me from such lies, but until such time as that, I will continue to give my all for my changelings."

"And what if after judging Queen Chrysalis by the Elements of Harmony, she passes, yet we still refuse her entry into Equestria?"

"Then I will remain with the hive while you leave to live out the rest of your happy lives in your land of harmony." You don't care for sly mind games, but you tried to see this coming, too. Maintain calm and address everything evenly, no matter how ridiculous and sideways things get.

"Oh, please, Celestia, enough with the 'thousand years of wit' schtick. All of you have to have seen by now that this kid has morals and manners to a fault. The only big question left is whether or not the Changelings really do pass the trial as Anonymous did. I get dreadfully bored when conversations get so predictable and redundant this way. There's no point in it at all, Chaotic or otherwise." To your surprise, Discord was the one who spoke next, and he spoke up for you. Remember that.

"Very well. Anonymous, what would you propose Equestrians and Changelings do once peace is made?"

“First, the changelings need to take on apprenticeships to build skills and work ethics if they are to be active members in the modern community. For example, Applejack, I hear that the Apple family is spread out across Equestria. Would each family group be open to accepting an extra hand or two to train?”

“I recon they would. Heck, if they prove to be honest hard workers, the apples will probably accept them in as their own.”

"Always trust country folk to know how to do it right" You smile again. "That does bring back to mind the matter of shelter for the changelings. Once the proper magical reserves are built up, my changelings will need to relocate the hive structure to a better location. Ideally, a place ideal for travel, or a new location central to other cities that can have infrastructure built. It is an optimistic hope to have experienced Earth Ponies survey and safely excavate the encased sections of library, Changestone structure, and possibly any love crystals that may have survived. Among the knowledge lost to the magma flow is the ability to create new crystals."

"Ooh ooh ooh, My sisters and I are experienced Earth Pony surveyors and excavators! Our family's rock farm is near Las Pegasis." Pinky jumped in.

"Then I would like your opinion when we reach the hive. My changelings care deeply about their home. It is vital that the changes tone is not harmed further."

"Harmed? Wouldn't the changelings be able to fix scrapes or cracks with their magic?"

"It is more complicated than that. Changestone can't be created by any form of chemistry or geology. At the end of a changeling's life, they are placed into a state of extremely slowed decomposition. Their bodies and the strength of their spirit protects the hive from danger. Changestone is the hive's ancestry. The hive is both the changeling's true home and funeral mound."

Silent looks are exchanged, some of surprise, and some of macabre realization. You know in your mind that if the equestrians refuse to help, Chrysalis will be forced to use that spell to ultimately end your changeling's suffering. Having never used a spell in this way, chrysalis may not be able to use it on herself, leaving the final burial duty to you. This mental image once again plays in your mind, as it has previously. You know what is at stake, so you know how far you are willing to push yourself. You take a breath and wipe away a tear that wanted to show itself.

"Is it unreasonable to want any excavation to be done carefully?"

Pinky shook her head.

"Don't worry. My sisters know their stuff."

"I'm happy to hear that, Pinky. I will leave it in your capable hooves."

"Will this be all matters covered, Anonymous?" Celestia asked.

"I have one more thing, a personal mater that I have only had the chance to discuss with Discord, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash so far.”

“Is this about that weapon that you mentioned?” Rainbow Dash speaks up. Immediately, all eyes were staring you down.

“Yes. I was carrying a weapon on me when I first arrived on Equestria. Pinkie pie simultaneously broke it and set off one of the twenty bullets I had with me. The weapon cannot be repaired, but the bullets still pose a danger, and I would like to carefully destroy all parts entirely so that it cannot be reverse engineered.”

“You will tell us what you know about this weapon and how it works.” Celestia stated. Her calm voice seemed to be undecided on whether it wants to stay that way.

“It uses metallurgy, chemistry, and precision engineering to throw metal bullets at a speed of about four hundred hooves per second. No magic is involved. Discord has told me that he can see into my world and he knows about the weapon’s make and details. He won’t give that knowledge out of principle, and I intend to take that information to the grave. We both agree that such a weapon has no place on Equus.”

“What promise do we have that you will not develop and create more of these weapons?”

“I have no training in metallurgy, and the state of technology I know of here won’t allow for production without thousands of hours of research and development.”

“If you’re such a pacifist, then why did you even have a weapon?

“It is common practice to carry in self-defense. Legally, I would have to be in direct and immediate danger to even be able to point it at my attacker without penalty. I told discord before that I carried the thing for six years without ever firing it, and after sixty seconds of being in Equestria, Pinkie Pie sets it off by accident.”

“Oh, so THAT’S what that big boom was!”

“Yes, and I’m glad that neither of our legs got shot.”

“How are we to dispose of this gun and bullets?”

You gesture with both arms stretched out to discord “Discord, dramatic explanation!”

Smiling, Discord snapped and materialized a midnight blue megaphone with Princess Luna's cutie mark on it. “WE SHAL DROP EACH BULLET INTO MOLTEN METAL AT THE BOTTOM OF A STONE COVERED WELL, THEN SEND EACH ONE TO SEPARATE FORGES WHERE THEY WILL BE REFORGED INTO DAMASCUS BLOCKS OF VARIOUS ALLOYS SO THAT NO FORM OF METALURGY, ALCHEMY, OR TIME MAGIC MAY RECREATE THE WEAPON!”

“Thank you discord- wait, time magic is real here???”

“Don’t worry. Your plan is thorough enough for that.”

“Ok, okay. Geez, magic and ponies.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“If magic were not involved, I would not have had cause to go to such extreme lengths like having myself attacked by a draconequus, shocked at my own words twice, and seek such total obliteration of a gun in this manner.”

Shining Armor scowled. “You would have found another way to bed the changeling queen for power.” This gives you pause.

“Do… Do you not know what a consort is?”

“Who’s to say you won’t try for more later?” There it is, the one thing that gets on your nerves. You're not doing all of this for any personal gain, yet the attack of character still finds its way in.

“Let me make myself clear on a few things, then, Prince Armor. Every changeling alive today may have been schooled and matured in pods, but they have only breathed Equestrian air for no more than a year. None of them have any experience in meaningful romantic relationships, and all of them have lived every moment of their lives in fear. On my second day in Equestria, shortly before Zecora could cure my curse, Princes Twilight entered Zecora’s hut where Zecora had hidden Chrysalis, Light, Gentle and I. Those changelings were shivering uncontrollably in fear as if they would be killed on sight, and to this very moment, they have yet to see if you will. I didn’t think that this difference in ethics would appear in your world, so I seem to be mistaken in not studying pony ethics, as to do as you suggest would be emotionally abusive and is seen as a heinous act in my world. I care for others in such a way that if I were to actively do anything of the sort, I would expect to be executed on the spot, and for my closest friends to hold me to that standard. Now I would appreciate it that you have some actual ground to stand on the next time you make such INSIDIOUS IMPLICATIONS. DOES THAT SATIATE YOU, SHINING ARMOR?”

You were shouting out those last words from the indignity. This always happens more often than you can catch it. Shining Armor was still glaring at you furiously. He deserved every word of your retort, but you can tell that he is no longer listening. The other ponies around the table are dead silent and seem to be considering your words except for Fluttershy who jumped back and is trying to make herself seem small behind Rainbow Dash's mane. With an un-phased expression, Celestia broke the silence.

“I apologize for Shining Armor’s outburst. We did not invite you on this train with the intent to insult you.” You take a deep breath to center yourself.

“Thank you, Princess. I apologize for my own response. I don’t like resorting to such outbursts of aggression, but I think ad hominem is the one thing that gets under my skin so can it be understood from now on that such is my stance on the topic?”

“Certainly.”

“And I’m also sorry for scaring you, Fluttershy.”

“Oh. It’s alright I understand how you care. It’s just the shouting took me by surprise.”

“Yes, quite right. I don’t think anyone expected a human to be able to pull off a Royal Canterlot Voice like that.” Discord added with a smirk.

“Isn’t that some kind of vocal magic? I doubt I was that loud.”

“Luna, be a dear and demonstrate how he sounded.”

“HE SPEAKS OF THIS, THE ROYAL CANTERLOT VOICE IN WHICH WE AND OUR SISTER HAD UTTERED EVERY DECREE WITH BUT ONE THOUSAND YEARS AGO!” Luna said in a voice that matched discord’s megaphone. You realized the significance in the design then.

“But that is a few orders of magnitude louder than I can hope to shout.”

“It sounded the same when you shouted just then, sugar cube.” The other ponies nodded their heads in agreement to Applejack.

“You will find that a lot of the magic of this world is deeply tied to sound and emotions. All the ponies before you have erupted into spontaneous song when the occasion was presented. Pinky here had all of Ponyville doing it once." Discord said as Pinky beamed. to know that magic can do such a thing is somewhat disturbing to you and he knows it.

"That's... But I'm not magical."

"I recall you saying that you filled love crystals on your own. Tell us how that works."

"Like the preferred method of feeding, the crystals can drain love magic from the surrounding ether without directly interacting with the one producing the love."

"So no magical abilities required."

You are being lectured in logic by the spirit of chaos. The world must be crashing down on you. As if the world enjoyed such a notion, your body sways to the side as a sudden change in velocity is noticed. The train is coming to a stop. Celestia turns to you.

"The moment of truth approaches. Do you have any final statement, Anonymous?" You take a deep breath your heart in your words, you make it brief.

"Equestrian society has prospered and survived many evils in the name of Harmony. All I want is for my changelings to be brought back into your world, rather than cast down into the darker realms of mine."